Load motorcycle into the Astro van

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by mrlmd1

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?

That is a great idea with a pick up or trailer but a van will likely end in disaster. The problem is having to crouch down to get in the van while trying to control the bike safely and accurately. Tried it once myself and it was not a happy ending. It was really quite a performance that left burn marks and tire marks on my brand new interior of real Mahogany and a nice carpet. Never tried it again and opted to just muscle the bike in the van.
I think Busy will get everything ironed out to his satisfaction shortly.

[BusyWeb]

Here is some update for the winch and wheel chock setup photos.
I really appreciate auto shop mechanic who made idea and built this setup for me.
He even spent his own money for welding, and paid back for him because that's too much ^^;

First of all I added couple of more ramps for much better safety when loading and unloading.
There was alot differences when I tried; felt really safe feeling during the loadin/unloading.
And here are some updates.

* Bought a wire-roller and welded on the top/behind of the wheel chocke.
* Wheel chocke is now little bit passenger side so that I could have more room when handling the bike.
* Wheel chocke is permanently screwed down on the van cargo floor.
* Elec. winch is placed behind wheel chocke, and screwed down well.

With this updated setup, I don't have to install/uninstall any items/materials during the loading/unloading.
All I need to do is hook-up jump battery to the winch, and start loading.
I'm very happy with this new updated setup.

Here are some photos of new setup.

1. I added more ramps for better safety on loading and unloading.




2. Wire roller photos








3. After bike is loaded...






Now, I need some vacume and wash my new van for the coming adventures.... ^^
Thanks

[blaine]

Your new setup looks to be much more stable & safe.Ride safe. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow !! Impressive set up Busy. The ramp is soooooooooooo nice looking and makes the whole affair a lot easier and safer for you. You will surely appreciate the ramp after a long day of off roading and getting back to van with little energy left. Well done. :2tup:

[BusyWeb]

Originally Posted by blaine

Your new setup looks to be much more stable & safe.Ride safe. :2tup:

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Wow !! Impressive set up Busy. The ramp is soooooooooooo nice looking and makes the whole affair a lot easier and safer for you. You will surely appreciate the ramp after a long day of off roading and getting back to van with little energy left. Well done. :2tup:

Thanks, and thanks.
I'll do safe riding always.

PS: The riding morotcycle makes/gave me many changes.
I woundn't even think about this kind of projects before riding bike;
and after some good results(yes, there were some failures too ^^ I'm getting/looking all the surrounds in bright side; positively.
Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good.
And I like that I could share some of my feelings with the internet friends.

[Water Warrior 2]

"Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good."
Absolutely true Busy. I have yet to meet a rider who didn't think riding was good for them. Personally I am going through a lull in my enthusiasm for riding but not enough to give up on 2 wheels as a enjoyable pastime and way to meet new friends. Can't seem to make the time for a ride for some strange reason but that really has to change soon. Now that I have a new and improved windshield for my camera yet again I should give it a test.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

"Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good."
Absolutely true Busy. I have yet to meet a rider who didn't think riding was good for them. Personally I am going through a lull in my enthusiasm for riding but not enough to give up on 2 wheels as a enjoyable pastime and way to meet new friends. Can't seem to make the time for a ride for some strange reason but that really has to change soon. Now that I have a new and improved windshield for my camera yet again I should give it a test.

[attachment=0:170ffr85]img009.jpg[/attachment:170ffr85]

:2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup:

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by BusyWeb

The motorcycle riding gave me many changes.
I woundn't even think about this kind of project before riding bike;
and after some good results(yes, there were some failures too ^^ I'm looking at the bright side; positively.
Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good.
And I like that I could share some of my feelings with the internet friends.

Well said sir! The motorcycle riding has improved my outlook as well. Or maybe it's emulating the Resident Evil chick. Either way, I'm venturing out a lot more than I used to. Looking into possibly renting a "Toy Hauler" to see what that's like.

:plus1:

[Water Warrior 2]

I have often joked that my bike is a 2 wheeled rocking chair. Could have bought a stationary home bound rocking chair upon retirement but decided against it. My "retirement chair" make me grin, giggle, smile, whistle and gets the heart in high gear now and again. I am still surprised at the number of retired folks who ride rather than sit home and watch TV. It is good for the body and soul.
I must say though that I was in absolute AWE taking to an older gentlman a few weeks ago. He is retired from UCLA where he taught for years. Now he rides his bicycle where my motorcycle takes me. A 50 mile ride is his warm up for the day. He is 72 years young. YIKES.

[mrlmd1]

For those of you thinking of carrying a bike in a pickup truck, check out this site with the motorized ramp and look at the video at the bottom of the page.

http://jettrax.com/Motorcycle-Lifts.htm